Baltimore Orioles right-hander Grayson Rodriguez has encountered another setback in his recovery. Initially rehabbing from elbow inflammation, Rodriguez is now dealing with a strained lat muscle and is expected to be a “couple of weeks” away from resuming his throwing program, according to manager Brandon Hyde on Wednesday.
Rodriguez, who began the season on the injured list due to the elbow issue, was set for a bullpen session last week, but it was scrapped when he developed shoulder soreness. A second medical opinion following an MRI confirmed a mild lat strain.
Unfortunately, this type of injury isn’t new to the 25-year-old. Rodriguez missed three months in 2022 with a similar issue while in the minors, delaying his MLB debut until April 2023. He suffered another lat strain in August 2024, which ended his season early. In total, Rodriguez has made just 43 starts across his first two big-league seasons, compiling a 20-8 record with a 4.11 ERA.
“I’m trying to stay optimistic,” Hyde said. “He’s had a tough time staying healthy the last few years with lat strains. We’re hoping he starts throwing in a couple of weeks and that his progression stays on track.”
The Orioles’ rotation has been hit hard by injuries this year. Opening Day starter Zach Eflin, also sidelined by a lat strain since April 7, has been cleared to begin throwing again and will throw a side session Friday or Saturday, Hyde noted.
In addition to Rodriguez and Eflin, Baltimore is without several other key arms. Kyle Braddish (Tommy John surgery) and Tyler Wells (UCL repair surgery) started the season on the injured list, and Albert Suárez (right shoulder) has since joined them.
Coming off back-to-back postseason appearances, the Orioles’ rotation depth is being tested early in 2025.
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